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2014 toyota prius Reviews and News

New for 2014

The 2014 Toyota Prius remains largely unchanged from the previous model year, but the lineup loses the Persona Series special-edition model.

Vehicle Overview

The Toyota Prius is the automaker’s hatchback hybrid that sets the bar for mainstream hybrids. The Prius fits above the Yaris but below the Corolla in the automaker's lineup, falling in price and size not far from the midsize Camry. The Prius sits above the subcompact Prius C, but below the larger Prius V in the Prius family.

Summary

The 2014 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter I-4/electric motor, which transfers its 134 net hp to the front wheels via a CVT. The regular Prius can travel about one mile on electric only, while the Prius plug-in hybrid can travel up to 11 miles. EPA estimates place the Prius at 51/48 mpg city/highway and the plug-in variant at 95 MPGe in EV mode. The Prius plug-in fully charges its battery in one-and-a-half hours at 240V and in three hours at 120V.

Toyota offers a host of hybrid-friendly features on the Prius, and has built in three different selectable drive modes: normal, EV, POWER, and ECO. EV (on a regular Prius) will allow about a mile of all-electric motion under certain conditions, POWER increases throttle sensitivity, and ECO adjust throttle input and climate control settings. An available solar roof can circulate air with a small fan so that cars parked in direct sunlight are more comfortable upon reentry, which is part of a solar roof package. Inside Toyota has integrated a head-up display, 6.1-inch infotainment system, and a feature that places an image of your steering wheel controls on the information display when you touch a button, allowing you to know which button you’re about to press without having to look away from the road.

The 2014 Prius received a four-star crash test rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars), and is considered a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The Prius Plug-In has not been evaluated individually by the NHTSA or the IIHS. Safety packages include dynamic radar cruise control, a pre-collision system, lane keep assist, and parking assist.

What We Think

The Toyota Prius is a longtime leader in the hybrid segment. When Toyota attempted to set a record-setting lap of the Nürburgring in a Prius Plug-In, we explained the effort: “The goal here was miles-per-gallon, not miles-per-hour. Without any special aerodynamic trickery or body modifications (purely aesthetic TRD parts were added), the Toyota Prius Plug-In used less than five tablespoons of fuel on its triumphant 12.9-mile outing. You’ll find more honey in the average pitcher of sweet tea. Because the car's battery was fully charged, the only time the gas engine intervened was during one long hill climb.” The record was 698 mpg, with an average speed of 40 mph.

You’ll Like

Class leader hybrid

50 mpg combined

The plug-in version if your commute is short enough

You Won’t Like

Not very exciting to drive

Slow

Styling screams hybrid

Key Competitors

Honda Accord Hybrid / Plug-in

Ford C-Max Hybrid / Energi

Chevrolet Volt

Ford Fusion Hybrid / Energi

Honda Civic Hybrid

Rating

The start of 2016 Toyota Prius production will be delayed about six months to December 2015, according to Automotive News. Toyota wants to ensure the next-generation hybrid car receives the development attention necessary before it goes on sale in 2016. Previously, the 2016 Toyota Prius was expected to begin production in spring 2015.

The next generation of the Toyota Prius hybrid will arrive next year, and Toyota is reportedly considering a new strategy in regards to the car’s battery pack. According to a report from Automotive News, the Toyota Prius engineering team is currently deciding between continuing to use nickel-metal hydride batteries, which the Prius uses now, or switching to higher-cost, lightweight lithium-ion batteries.

As of the end of 2013, Toyota has sold 6.07 million hybrid vehicles globally since it first launched a series-production hybrid in 1997. Of that impressive total, 2.3 million Toyota and Lexus hybrids have been sold in North America, and the automaker has sold a total of 3.2 million copies of the Prius globally since its launch 17 years ago.

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Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: SOFTWARE

Summary

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

Consequences

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Potential Units Affected

698,457

Notes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

Summary

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

Consequences

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.